Abstract
The Virginia Conservation Lands Needs Assessment - Development of the Natural Landscape Assessment Track: Ecology and Conservation Author(s): Joseph Weber The loss of natural habitats to urban sprawl and other development pressures necessitates creation of landscape planning tools to facilitate effective conservation. One such tool is the Virginia Conservation Lands Needs Assessment (VCLNA), which integrates and coordinates land conservation priorities for wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, open space, agriculture, sustainable forestry, water quality improvement, and other interests. The Virginia Natural Landscape Assessment (VANLA), the major ecological component of the VCLNA, uses landscape-scale GIS analyses to identify, prioritize, and link large patches of forests and wetlands that contribute to protection of landscape-scale biotic integrity by helping to keep common species common and by conserving habitats for rare organisms. A pilot NLA was completed recently for the Virginia Coastal Resources Management Area by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Expansion of this project to the entire state is underway using a revised methodology and a more consistent land cover classification. Joseph Weber Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation Division of Natural Heritage 217 Governor St. Richmond , VA 23219 US Phone: 8043712545 Fax: 8043712674 E-mail: joseph.weber@dcr.virginia.gov |
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